Myths are easy to come by these days, and metal roofing is no different. Stay ahead of the curve by distinguishing the myths of metal roofing from the actual facts.

“It takes seven years for humans to digest one piece of swallowed gum.”

What do all of these statements have in common? They’re all myths we’ve heard at some point in our lives.

You can find myths relating to anything nowadays, and believe it or not, there are numerous myths out there related to metal roofing. Most of the time, we don’t know where or why a myth was started, but at Sheffield Metals, we think it’s important to set the record straight and lay out the metal roofing myths we hear all the time.

In this article, you can expect to learn:

Common metal roofing myths

Why these myths are untrue

What to actually expect

Reviewing Metal Roofing Myths

Myth #1: Metal Roofing Attracts Lightning

We are taught at a young age to never hold anything made up of metal during a thunderstorm because “metal objects attract lightning.” But did you know this is actually another myth?

The idea that metal attracts lightning is partly because most lightning rods put on top of buildings are made of metal. But these rods don’t actually attract lightning strikes; instead, the metal rod acts as a conductor of electricity and channels the electricity safely to the ground so it doesn’t damage the building.

So what does this mean?Metal roofing does not increase the risk or likelihood of lightning strikes. It has the same possibility of any other material to be struck by lightning.

Topography of the land – Lightning is very unpredictable and difficult to measure, but scientists have been able to determine that lightning’s electric current takes the path of least resistance. Based on this fact alone, lightning is more likely to strike at higher ground, such as a mountain or hilltop.

Size of the building – The likelihood of lightning striking is higher if a building is large because it covers more area.

Location of a structure among other buildings – If a smaller building is next to a larger or taller building, the smaller building is less likely to be struck by lightning.

Thunderstorm frequency – Weather patterns and frequency of thunderstorms varies depending on where you live. For example, a home in Arizona would have to worry less about lightning than a home in Kansas.

In actuality, metal is one of the most preferred roofing materials when concerned with lightning safety. Metal is noncombustible (unlike shingles or wood), meaning it’s incapable of igniting or burning. This is a huge advantage if a metal roof were to ever be struck by lightning because it wouldn’t explode or catch on fire and could actually protect a structure from damage.

Additionally, if you want to help eliminate the threat of lightning striking your home or building, there are lightning protection systems that can be installed on a home for further safety.

Myth #2: Metal Roofs are Noisy

There is a common misconception that all types of metal roofs make a lot of noise during rain or hail storms. While it is true that some systems and profiles of metal roofing can experience noise in certain circumstances, most metal roofs are designed and installed to be no louder than any other roof type. Some can even be quieter.

That being said, there are home or build owners who want to hear the noises from rain or hail. Luckily, you can have metal roofing installed in a way that makes noise as loud or as quiet as you prefer.

Structure/Roof Deck – If a structural metal roof, like a corrugated exposed fastener roof (common with barns and other agricultural structures), is installed directly over open framing or spans long lengths by attaching to the frame or purlins, noises from rain or hail will be more noticeable. This happens because there isn’t a buffer between the panels and the inside of a structure, such as a roof deck, sheathing or insulation, to muffle the noise.

Restricting thermal movement –When you restrict the expansion and contraction needed for proper thermal movement of a metal panel, you can run into a noise issue, as well as additional other potential problems (such as oil canning).

Insulation – Insulation is another element that can be added to a roofing structure to reduce noise. Insulation comes in many different forms and can be installed above or below the roof deck and between the beams or purlins of an open frame for noise reduction and temperature control. During installation, make a point to ask the installer to ensure the insulation allows for adequate thermal movement.

Installer Knowledge – The best way to ensure a roof doesn’t generate extra noise is to hire a qualified and experienced contractor who is knowledgeable about the methods of properly installing metal roofing. If you are unsure of where to start to look for an installer, ask for referrals from family, friends, and neighbors, or visit a third-party referral website like HomeAdvisor.

Myth #3: All Metal Roofs Develop Red Rust Over Time

It’s true that most metals rust or develop a patina over time when in contact with oxygen and water, also called oxidation. However, not all metals rust with the reddish-brown color that we typically associate it with. While rusting is an inherent characteristic of most metals, the metal coils and sheets that become metal panels are engineered, coated, and tested to prevent rust formation for as long as possible. To easily understand why this is, let’s go through each popular metal material individually:

Galvalume® – The core substrate of Galvalume is steel, a rust-prone material, but it is continuously hot-dipped with 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. This coating combines the strength and cost-effectiveness of steel with the rust-resistance of aluminum.

Many of the old rusty roofs that people see out there are traditionally an older galvanized roof (cold-rolled) or COR-TEN®, which are materials designed to rust. Galvalume is created to have self-healing characteristics that regular galvanized roofing does not.

Any steel roof, including Galvalume, can rust quickly if it’s scratched, perforated, or not properly maintained, especially where there are cut edges without proper hems.

Aluminum – One of the biggest selling points of an aluminum roof is the fact that it doesn’t have red rust and corrosion is generally minimal as it ages. Aluminum actually develops a white rust that blends well with the color of the metal.

Aluminum is often defined as the best material to use in coastal areas with high rainfall and seawater spray conditions because it defends against rusting for longer periods of time.

Copper – Copper doesn’t rust, but it will develop a protective covering called patina, which develops due to oxidation and sun exposure. There’s not an exact science to when patina will show up or what color it becomes; it can range anywhere from a dark bronze to a blueish-green covering.

Zinc – Zinc is another material that doesn’t develop red rust. In fact, when zinc is exposed to carbon dioxide and moisture (present in our atmosphere), it forms its own protective patina layer called zinc carbonate, which helps further resist corrosion.

Stainless steel – This steel alloy is made up of at least 10.5% chromium, which makes stainless steel rust-resistant. That being said, there are architectural stainless steels specifically formulated to develop a patina similar to zinc.

In addition to metals used for coils and sheets, the paint systems applied on top of the metal are designed to further help prevent rusting and corroding. Plus, if any of these paint systems or metals do rust or fail before promised, most reputable manufacturers offer some type of paint warranty or substrate warranty to buyers.

Myth #4: Metal Roofs Dent Easily

Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing is actually very difficult to dent and even more difficult to puncture. There is always a concern among consumers that the first time a wave of hail rolls through, there will be dents all over a metal roof. In actuality, the average hail storm is very unlikely to cause damage or dent a metal roof. The possibility for denting increases as the size and quantity of the hailstones increase, but it would take a huge storm with extremely large pieces of hail to create any significant denting or penetration points.

If you live in an area where hail storms occur, consider a metal roof with a rib roller or striation in the flat part of the panel because it could help hide any denting that could show up after a large hailstorm.

It’s important to note that many home insurance companies offer “hail damage waivers,” which lower premium prices but waives the insurance company from covering a claim for repairs or replacements caused by hail. Just be aware that these kinds of waivers exist and make sure to do your research ahead of time before signing.

Myth #5: Metal Roofs Hold Heat in the Summer

This is another myth that we attribute to what we learn when we are young: Metal in the sun holds heat for a long time. While this is a true statement, it doesn’t always apply to panels used in metal roofing anymore.

Advancements in metal roofing technology and sustainability have contributed to the creation of cool metal roofing, which are highly emissive metal panels that have a high Solar Reflective Index (SRI). For reference:

Emissivity – How quickly the surface (or metal in this case) releases its absorbed heat and returns to its regular temperature.

SRI –Refers to how reflective of the sun’s rays a surface is (cool metal roofing has a higher SRI), which allows the panels to absorb less heat from the sun’s rays.

In addition to a longer life-cycle and other metal roofing benefits, this cool roofing is energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The best part for consumers is that these cool metal roofs come in a variety of colors, finishes, profiles, and slope-applications.

So no, not all metal roofing holds on to heat during hotter months. If you ever have questions or concerns about the temperatures associated with the metal used on your roof, have a conversation with the coil or sheet manufacturer to determine the best choice for your building application.

Wrapping It All Up

Myths will always exist with metal roofing, but becoming an educated and informed consumer helps you determine fact from fiction. And if you know the facts, you’ll be fully equipped to make the best decision. Keep in mind:

Metal roofing won’t attract lightning more than any other material

Rain or hail is not any louder on metal roofing, especially if insulation, sheathing, or a solid roof deck is present

Your metal roof is designed to resist against red rust formation, and some metals used in roofing are naturally more rust-resistant than others

To further ensure rust doesn’t creep in, keep an eye out for exposed cut edges and deep scratches or scrapes on steel panels

A typical hailstorm will not dent a metal roof; only abnormally large hailstones can significantly dent or penetrate a roof

Cool metal roofing was invented to emit heat and reflect the sun’s rays during the summer, which helps stabilize a structure’s temperature

Here at Sheffield Metals, we want to answer more of your questions to help you choose the best metal roof based on your individual needs.

Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced and knowledgeable metal roofing experts.

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Sheffield Metals is a leader in the distribution of coated and bare metal products, as well as Engineered Standing Seam Metal Roof (SSMR) & Wall Systems. We specialize in providing painted Galvalume® and aluminum for the architecturally driven metal panel industry. Sheffield Metals has the ability to meet a wide array of needs with more than 50 colors continuously stocked. We can also match virtually any custom color to suit a particular project.